What else can cause indoor air quality problems?
While mold and moisture are the most common indoor air quality issues, numerous other substances cause problems in the indoor environment. Radon, for example, is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the soil. When it becomes trapped in a basement or crawlspace, it poses a serious health hazard. Radon is a common problem in the Southeast, and it is often found in the Atlanta area. Older homes often contain floor tiles or insulation that was made with asbestos. Asbestos fibers can become airborne if the materials are disturbed, and if inhaled, they can cause mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer. If asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are in your home, you should disturb them as little as possible. You should either encapsulate them (such as covering old tiles with a new floor) or have them removed by a professional remediation contractor with asbestos experience. Other common indoor air quality problems include dust mites, pollen, fiberglass, and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs
